Borzoi
The Borzoi (formerly Russian Wolfhound) is one of the most aristocratic and visually striking of all breeds — a tall, lean sighthound with a long, silky coat, a narrow aristocratic head, and a graceful, sweeping gait.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Russia
Lifespan
9–14 years
Weight
27–48 kg (60–105 lbs)
Height
68–85 cm (27–33 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — large breed active formula; multiple small meals for bloat prevention
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Borzoi (formerly Russian Wolfhound) is one of the most aristocratic and visually striking of all breeds — a tall, lean sighthound with a long, silky coat, a narrow aristocratic head, and a graceful, sweeping gait. Developed by Russian nobility over centuries to course wolves on the steppes, Borzoi were kept in vast numbers on imperial estates. The Russian Revolution was catastrophic for the breed — Borzoi were associated with the aristocracy and were killed in large numbers. The breed survived only because sufficient numbers had been exported to Europe and America.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Borzoi has one of the most elegant silhouettes in the dog world — extreme height, a narrow deep chest, arched loin, and a long, fine, silky coat with wavy or curly texture. The head is extremely narrow and long, with a barely perceptible stop. The coat can be any colour and requires regular brushing.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Borzoi are quiet, gentle, and reserved. They are not demonstratively affectionate but are loyal and gentle with their family. Strangers are acknowledged with polite indifference. Their prey drive is extreme — they were bred to course wolves and this instinct remains fully operative. They cannot be trusted off-lead except in enclosed areas.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
-15°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
aloofness, escape attempts, avoidance, trembling, refusing food
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise in secure fenced areas is essential. The long coat needs brushing 2–3 times weekly and sheds heavily in season. Anaesthetic sensitivity is critical as for all sighthounds. Bloat/GDV is a significant risk — multiple small meals and no exercise after eating.
Nutrition Notes
Bloat risk (deep-chested) — feed 2-3 meals. Sighthound anaesthesia sensitivity. Lean build normal. Sensitive stomachs in some lines. Heart-supportive nutrition (omega-3, taurine).
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Bloat is the #1 killer — gastropexy recommended. Osteosarcoma. DCM. Hypothyroidism. PRA. Degenerative myelopathy. The Russian aristocracy's sighthound — nearly wiped out during Russian Revolution. Cat-like personality — independent, graceful, quiet. 9-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1600 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1200 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Bloat/GDV is the most serious health concern. Hip dysplasia occurs at moderate rates. Progressive retinal atrophy is seen. Cardiac issues occur. Anaesthetic sensitivity is critical as for all sighthounds.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Rare breed globally. India: very rare, imported only. Not suited for most Indian climates (thick coat). Grooming costs moderate. The most elegant of all dog breeds.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Borzoi hunts in Imperial Russia involved hundreds of hounds — Tsar Nicholas II kept over 150 Borzoi at his estate.
The Borzoi's extremely narrow head is one of the most extreme in the dog world — the skull can be as narrow as the span of a hand.
Leo Tolstoy included a detailed Borzoi coursing scene in War and Peace — one of the most technically accurate descriptions of sighthound hunting in literature.
